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Secretary Jobs in Independence, IA (NOW HIRING)

Health Unit Coordinator

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Medical Secretary, Medical Administrative Secretary, or Medical Assistant degree preferred. * High language, intermediate math, intermediate reasoning ability. * Typing with knowledge of medical ...

Health Unit Coordinator

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Medical Secretary, Medical Administrative Secretary, or Medical Assistant degree preferred. * High language, intermediate math, intermediate reasoning ability. * Typing with knowledge of medical ...

Health Unit Coordinator

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Medical Secretary, Medical Administrative Secretary, or Medical Assistant degree preferred. * High language, intermediate math, intermediate reasoning ability. * Typing with knowledge of medical ...

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Secretary information

See Independence, IA salary details

$23.2K

$43.5K

$59.6K

How much do secretary jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for secretary in Independence, IA is $43,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $49,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a secretary do?

A Secretary is often the first individual people come in contact with at a company, giving them the unofficial title as the “face of the organization.” They perform a wide range of tasks to assist the organization or company throughout the day. These tasks can include maintaining files, scheduling appointments or meetings, sending emails, recording meeting minutes, arranging guest travel arrangements, and answering phones. Secretaries frequently use computer software to create spreadsheets, manage databases, and produce documents, reports, and presentations. Some also gather data from a variety of sources, manage corporate libraries or manage stockrooms, buy supplies, and negotiate with vendors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a secretary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Secretary, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office administration, usually supported by a high school diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling tools, and basic bookkeeping systems is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and multitasking abilities help a Secretary excel in managing multiple responsibilities and interacting with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure smooth office operations, efficient information flow, and professional support for teams and executives.

How does a secretary typically manage competing priorities and urgent requests throughout the workday?

Secretaries often handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as scheduling meetings, answering correspondence, and supporting various team members. Managing competing priorities requires strong organizational skills, the ability to assess the urgency of requests, and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues. Many secretaries use digital tools like calendars and task management software to stay on top of deadlines and ensure nothing is overlooked. Proactively clarifying expectations and regularly updating supervisors about progress can help manage workload effectively.

What is the difference between Secretary vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectSecretaryAdministrative Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer additional certifications or training
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, often in legal, medical, or corporate environmentsVaries from office to administrative support across industries
Job ResponsibilitiesManaging schedules, answering phones, filing, and correspondenceSupporting office operations, coordinating meetings, handling reports
Usage & Search IntentOften searched for in legal, medical, or corporate contextsBroader, includes general office support roles

While both roles involve administrative support, secretaries typically focus on managing schedules and correspondence within specific industries like legal or medical. Administrative assistants often have broader responsibilities supporting overall office functions across various industries.

Do secretaries get paid a lot?

Secretaries typically earn a median annual salary that varies by location and experience, with many earning around $35,000 to $50,000. Salaries can increase with skills in office management, proficiency in software like Microsoft Office, and additional certifications. Overall, secretaries' pay is generally considered moderate compared to other administrative roles.

What cities near Independence, IA are hiring for Secretary jobs?

Cities near Independence, IA with the most Secretary job openings:

Infographic showing various Secretary job openings in Independence, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% As Needed, 33% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,495 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Secretary (Office Automation)

Treasury Department

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Duties

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level. If this vacancy includes more than one grade and you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform these duties and receive training to help you grow in this position.

  • Serves as the Liaison between the manager and subordinate staff members and other key officials. Assures understanding and clarification of the manager's views on all problems and issues. Serves as office manager for the office and ensures that the practices and procedures used by secretaries in subordinate offices are consistent with those of the manager's office. On own initiative, recommends changes in administrative policies. Devises and installs office procedures and practices to be used by secretaries in subordinate offices. Ensures an orderly and efficient flow of work and resolves various problems and situations that affect the flow of work.
  • Exercises exclusive control over the manager's calendar, with authority for commitments of time. Screens all calls and visitors, answering most questions and completing most business in an authoritative and accurate manner based on knowledge of the manager's views and an awareness of all matters in which he/she is currently involved.
  • Analyzes incoming directives, manual issuances, policy changes, regulatory and procedural changes, etc., for significant potential effect on the manager's objectives as well as for general interests and informal objectives of the manager. Alerts the manager of areas of potential impact and arranges for any necessary follow-up technical review by appropriate segments of the organization.
  • Identifies trends that may have a significant effect on, for example, operations, administrative practices, communications, etc. Suggests possible courses of action to take when trends indicate actual or potential problem areas. Recommends functional component or individual best suited to provide follow-up action.
  • Personally handles to completion a wide variety of administrative projects, performing necessary coordination, making contacts, obtaining comments from management officials concerned, and preparing correspondence. Reviews agenda items for executive conferences, assembles digests, consolidates comments from management officials, and summarizes material for use by the manager for participation in these conferences.

STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTIONS (SPD): PD92863 Visit the IRS SPD Library to access the position descriptions.